SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan) novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230

The abandoned textile warehouse in Queens stood silent against the gray dawn sky as federal agents took their positions around the building. Alexander crouched behind a concrete barrier with Stefan and FBI Special Agent Diana Chen, watching through binoculars as tactical teams prepared for the assault that would either save Victoria and Camille or confirm their worst fears about Rose's information.

"Two heat signatures on the third floor," Agent Chen whispered into her radio. "Stationary positions consistent with restrained captives. One mobile signature moving between them."

Alexander felt his heart pounding as he realized the heat signatures meant Victoria and Camille were still alive. After hours of desperate searching and the agonizing decision to trust Rose, they had finally found them.

"Teams Alpha and Bravo, prepare for simultaneous breach," Agent Chen continued. "Priority is hostage safety. Suspect is considered extremely dangerous and likely armed."

Stefan checked his borrowed tactical vest and communication device. Despite having no formal training for this kind of operation, he had refused to stay behind while Camille's life hung in the balance. "How long until we move?"

"Sixty seconds," Agent Chen replied. "Remember, you and Alexander stay back until the building is secure. This isn't a movie - real tactical operations require discipline and training you don't have."

Through the broken windows of the third floor, Alexander could see movement and the faint glow of artificial light. Somewhere in that building, James Whitfield was holding the two women Alexander loved most, probably unaware that his fifteen-year campaign of revenge was about to end.

"All teams, go," Agent Chen commanded.

The warehouse erupted into coordinated chaos as federal agents stormed multiple entry points simultaneously. Flash-bang grenades exploded on different floors, creating confusion and disorientation designed to overwhelm James's ability to respond to the assault.

Alexander watched through his binoculars as tactical officers rappelled through third-floor windows while others charged up internal staircases. The operation unfolded with military precision, each team knowing exactly where to go and what to do.

"Contact, third floor!" came a voice over the radio. "Suspect is armed. Hostages located and secured."

The words sent relief flooding through Alexander's chest, but he couldn't fully relax until he saw Victoria and Camille with his own eyes.

"Suspect down! Hostages are alive but need immediate medical attention."

Agent Chen signaled for Alexander and Stefan to follow her as she moved toward the warehouse entrance. "James is in custody, but we need to get Victoria and Camille to the hospital immediately."

They ran through the industrial complex, past rusted machinery and broken concrete, toward the building where the nightmare that had consumed their lives for months was finally ending. Emergency vehicles were already arriving, their sirens echoing off the empty buildings around them.

Alexander reached the third floor first, pushing past tactical officers and paramedics to reach the room where Victoria and Camille had been held. What he saw there would haunt his dreams for years to come.

Victoria sat zip-tied to a metal chair, her face streaked with tears and blood from the car accident. Her expensive clothes were torn and dirty, and her eyes held the hollow look of someone who had been broken down by psychological torture. But she was conscious, alert, and unmistakably alive.

Camille was slumped in another chair nearby, her head lolling forward as paramedics checked her pupils for signs of concussion. The injuries from the car crash had been worsened by hours of captivity, and she appeared barely conscious.

"Camille!" Alexander dropped to his knees beside her chair as paramedics cut the zip ties from her wrists. "Camille, can you hear me?"

Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused and pained. "Alexander? Is it really you?"

"It's really me. You're safe now. We found you."

Camille tried to lift her head but winced from the movement. "Victoria. Is Victoria okay?"

Alexander looked across the room where Stefan was helping paramedics free Victoria from her restraints. "She's alive. You're both alive. That's all that matters right now."

As paramedics prepared to transport both women to the hospital, Alexander caught sight of James Whitfield being led away in handcuffs by federal agents. The man who had orchestrated so much pain and destruction looked smaller than Alexander had expected, diminished by defeat and the reality of facing consequences for his crimes.

James's eyes met Alexander's as he was escorted past, and for a moment, Alexander saw not the master manipulator who had destroyed his marriage, but a broken man who had spent fifteen years consumed by hatred and revenge.